Dissident Republican Easter Parade in Londonderry Defies Regulations Amidst Ongoing Investigation
A significant gathering of several hundred individuals, including some in combat uniforms and with faces obscured, participated in a dissident republican Easter commemoration in Londonderry on Monday.
Parade Defiance and Police Investigation
The parade, commencing from Creggan and proceeding to the city cemetery, was notably led by 18 individuals dressed in paramilitary-style uniforms. This was in direct contravention of a clear ruling by the Parades Commission, which had explicitly prohibited such attire. The event, held to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising, was organised by Saoradh, a political party that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has previously linked to the New IRA.
Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney of the PSNI confirmed that a live investigation into the events is now underway. The PSNI also reported a car fire on Central Drive in Creggan, urging the public to avoid the area.
During the parade, a man in a paramilitary-style uniform laid a wreath at the republican monument in Creggan. Upon reaching the cemetery, approximately a dozen masked young people were observed in possession of petrol bombs, raising further concerns.
The Parades Commission had unequivocally stated that no paramilitary-style clothing should be worn and no illegal flags displayed during this year's event. The PSNI noted that the wearing of paramilitary-style uniforms by participants is believed to constitute an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000, in addition to being a breach of the Parades Commission's determination.
Chief Superintendent Kearney reiterated the PSNI's commitment to justice, stating, "The outcomes of our investigations from previous years illustrates that where offences occur, we will investigate." Last year, a similar parade escalated into violence, with approximately 50 petrol bombs being thrown at police near the city walls.
